ALCC02090: Detailed Agricultural Land Classification Survey Maps and Reports, 1989-1999

Post 1988 Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) site survey data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The dataset includes scanned original paper maps and survey reports for individual sites surveyed in detail between 1989 and 1999, using grading methodology from the "Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales" guidelines. For some surveys, unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions are also available.

Use Cases

• Classify agricultural land capability based on the detailed grading methodology described in the survey reports.
• Analyze soil characteristics and variability using the unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions.
• Map land quality for planning and development assessments based on the scanned original maps at scales from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000.
• Study historical land use and soil survey practices from the late 1980s and 1990s.

Strengths

• Includes detailed subdivision of Grade 3 land into subgrades 3a and 3b.
• Original survey maps and reports provide primary source material.
• Surveys were conducted using a consistent, documented grading methodology.

Limitations

• Row count and file formats are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Provenance

Source

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food; data provided via Natural England and the Government Digital Service.

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, with results captured in paper maps and reports that were later scanned.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

Survey data covers the period 1989 to 1999; last update date for the dataset is unknown.

Geography

England and Wales, specifically the Brockdish and Needham Bypass survey area.